TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s indigenous community Baduy in Lebak Banten Regency demanded their area be free from internet networks. This request is conveyed in a letter delivered to Lebak Regent.

The letter dated June 1, 2023, is signed by a number of Baduy traditional elders, including Tangtu Tilu Jaro Tujuh and Jaro Pamarentah or Kanekes Village Head. “We hope that Baduy settlements can be free from internet signals,” Head of Kanekes Village Jaro Saija said.

Reasons for requesting an internet blank spot

Jaro Saija explained that the internet network does bring benefits and causes negative impacts on the community. “We ask for the removal of the internet signal so that the lives of Baduy people are not affected by negative contents that are not educational and contradict tradition,” he said.

A Baduy resident Santa, 55, supports the customary institution's decision. He opined that easy access to the internet has made people create content contradicting Baduy customs and culture.

Tourism Agency responds to the request

The Lebak Regency Culture and Tourism Agency agrees with the request. “We are not questioning the decision of the customary institution to abolish the signal in the Baduy area,” the agency head Imam Rismahayadin said.

According to him, customary rules must be maintained and preserved, and the internet blank spot in the area will not affect the number of tourist visits.

“We believe it will make people curious. And it can have a positive impact on increasing tourist visits to Baduy,” Imam argued.

Imam also said his side will help inform and educate cultural tourism activists if the request is granted. “We strongly support Baduy areas to be free from internet signals for the preservation of this ancestral cultural heritage.”

ANTARA

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